Today, on May 18, the Harvard Youth Leadership Summit officially began in Samarkand for the first time in Central Asia under the slogan “From Dream to Opportunity: Harvard in Samarkand!” at the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.

A professor and talented students from Harvard University launched one of the most prestigious events dedicated to youth and education on the ancient land of Samarkand. The summit was organized at the initiative of the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in cooperation with Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) and the Istiqbolli Ta'lim School.

During the opening ceremony, the Rector of the university, Muhsinjon Kholmukhamedov, and other officials emphasized that hosting such a significant event in Samarkand, at the historic crossroads of the Great Silk Road, is a vivid demonstration of the policy pursued by Shavkat Mirziyoyev to support young people and provide them with high-quality education and international opportunities.

The summit brings together 10 leading students from Harvard University, distinguished speakers in economics, politics, and education from Uzbekistan and abroad, as well as talented school students aged 14 to 18 and university students from various regions of Uzbekistan.

At the opening session, Harvard and local students introduced themselves and presented a number of innovative projects. Over the course of the four-day summit, participants will engage in the Impact Challenge, working in teams to solve real-world problems, as well as attend Harvard-style seminars, leadership training sessions, and College Panels discussions. Most importantly, they will have the unique opportunity to interact directly with Harvard students and gain valuable experience in turning their dreams into real opportunities.